Rīga county (Latvian: Rīgas rajons) is located right in the centre of Latvia around the Riga metropolis. This region borders with Tukums, Jelgava, Bauska, Ogre, Cesis and Limbazi counties and the cities of Riga and Jurmala, that are administratively independent parts of this region. The area of this county is 3,474 km² (including Riga City, the centre of this region – 307 km² and Jurmala City – 100 km²) and there live 1,044,440 inhabitants (including Riga – 839,670 and Jurmala - 59,250) that is about one half of all Latvia’s population.
Riga county is one of the biggest regions in Latvia, it is strategically important and also has the most economic power and developed infrastructure in the district. It is a cross-point of 10 main motorways and important junction of 6 railroads.
The larger part of this region lies in sand-soil plain of Riga that are covered with pinewoods, low links, marshlands and level countryside that is typical for littoral lowlands. In the Northern part stretches ridges of links and many lakes have formed in hollows between them. There are 132 lakes in Riga Region and the biggest of them are Babite Lake, Big Baltezers, Small Baltezers, Dunu and Lilaste Lakes. Riga region also is crossed by three biggest rivers in Latvia – Daugava, Lielupe and Gauja Rivers. North-eastern part of region is covered with the biggest deciduous forests in Latvia.
The south-western part of Gauja National Nature Park (more that 1,000 kinds of herbs, 48 species of animals, 130 species of birds and 28 species of fish) also is located on the territory of Riga Region.
One of the first ancient settlement places in this region is dated from the 9th millennium BC. In the time of many centuries localities of Riga City were having their upsurges and downgrades caused by wars. These lands were strode by German Crusaders, Swedish, Polish, Prussian, German and Russian Armies. More than 300 monuments of Culture and history that are on the list of culture heritage protection tell us about main events of local history. The causes of Riga Region’s rapid development can be found in geographic situation, human and nature resources, and rich heritage of culture and history. By the same reasons, this region is suitable for the tourism and recreation needs, also in combination with business travel.
Besides Riga and Jurmala which have separate articles devoted to them, the largest towns in Riga county are: Salaspils (population about 17,200), a town next to Riga which houses many research institutes, Olaine (population about 12,100), a chemical industry center and Sigulda (population about 10,100), a major tourist attraction with a historic 13th century castle and beautiful scenery.
City's in Riga county:
17 districts of Riga county:
- Allaži
- Ādaži
- Babīte
- Carnikava
- Daugmale
- Garkalne
- Inčukalns
- Krimulda
- Ķekava
- Mālpils
- Mārupe
- Olaine
- Ropaži
- Salas
- Sigulda
- Stopiņu